Asheville is the perfect getaway for travelers of all interests. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a variety of art galleries featuring works by European masters, beautifully designed buildings lining its streets, and, of course, plenty of outdoor activities with national and state parks and forests nearby. Whether you’re planning to hit the hiking trails every day or explore everything Asheville has to offer, we’ve got you covered with this list of the best things to do in Asheville!
Visit Biltmore, America’s Largest Home
You may or may not be familiar with the Vanderbilt name—an American family who made their fortune with shipping and railroad empires during the Gilded Age. Biltmore is an impressive French Renaissance estate in Asheville, built in the late 1800s for George W. Vanderbilt. In 1956, the last of his heirs moved out, and the château opened to the public. Today, Biltmore Estate is an award-winning winery, museum, and art gallery with over 20 miles of hiking trails and on-site accommodations.
Tourists can explore the 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, visit the tasting room for complimentary wine tastings, and tour the luxurious mansion and its artwork, which includes pieces by Renoir, Monet, and Louis Vuitton. The estate also features a small village with boutique shops and confectioneries, as well as a spa, restaurants, carriage rides, guided bird walks, horseback riding, bike rentals, and kayak rentals. With so much to see and do, visitors could easily spend a few days exploring all the estate has to offer.
Walk Around the River Arts District (RAD)
The River Arts District (RAD) is a vibrant part of Asheville that follows the French Broad River. This quirky, art-centric neighborhood is filled with old buildings and galleries featuring colorful murals, graffiti, and outstanding works by some of Asheville’s best artists. There are plenty of restaurants, breweries, events, and galleries to explore, which tourists can discover on their own or through a guided tour.
You can soak in the art scene by watching an artist’s demonstration, signing up for a workshop, or sampling some of the goods at local breweries and wineries. One of the more popular spots is the Grail Moviehouse, a locally run theater offering hit and cult-classic movies with locally sourced snacks in a cozy setting. On the second Saturday of each month, a free trolley takes riders through the RAD neighborhood on a guided tour, offering insight into the art scene and a chance to meet the artists.
Explore the North Carolina Arboretum
Experience the serene mountain landscapes and beautiful gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum. Spread across 434 acres, this is a great activity for families visiting Asheville. You can stroll through the Bonsai and Formal Gardens to admire the variety of plants and landscape designs, take your bike out on one of the biking trails, or go on a self-led or guided hike along the arboretum’s trails.
After exploring the stunning scenery and snapping dozens of photos, head to the on-site café to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or visit the gift shop for a souvenir. If you’re visiting Asheville in the summer, check their events calendar, as they often host ArborEvenings, a golden-hour event with live music and drinks. The arboretum also offers several art and education workshops and hosts light events around Christmas.
Book a Treatment at The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
Treat yourself to a day at the Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn and experience luxury and relaxation. This 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, inspired by Roman bathhouses, will leave you in awe with its grand stone columns, cavernous rock walls, and waterfalls, all centered around earth elements like light, fire, rock, and water.
Choose from a range of rejuvenating treatments, such as facials, pedicures, body wraps, and massages. With a day pass, you can detox in the steam room, swim in pools with underwater music, relax fireside with a cup of tea, rinse off in the waterfall pool, or soak in the hot tub.
Currently, only inn guests can purchase day passes to the spa, while outside visitors can book treatments. However, appointments are often booked out weeks in advance, so be sure to make a reservation several months before your visit. Check the website or call ahead to confirm day pass availability during your stay in Asheville.
Discover Appalachian Art at the Folk Art Center
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway sits the Folk Art Center, an art gallery dedicated to Appalachian artwork. This is a great tourist attraction in Asheville for those who want to delve deeper into the local art and culture scene. The Folk Art Center is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild, one of the oldest craft guilds in America, representing more than 800 craft artists from nine states and over 290 counties. The organization created the Folk Art Center to cultivate interest among future makers and collectors, creating a space to showcase the talents of in-house artists.
Visitors can explore the gallery and its rotating exhibits, which highlight traditional and contemporary works by guild artists and affiliated organizations. From March to December, craft demonstrations are held in the main lobby, where tourists can watch artisans display their skills. The center also hosts many events, including hands-on workshops where visitors can create their own artisan souvenirs, craft fairs, and community gatherings. After touring the gallery, be sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase artisan wares as a memento of your time in the mountains!
Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum
Looking for a quirky and fun thing to do in Asheville? Head to the Asheville Pinball Museum! Whether you’re a diehard fan or not, this arcade offers over 40 pinball machines and 40 video arcade games to play. Instead of the usual pay-per-play system, the museum charges under $20 for all-you-can-play access and caps attendance at 70 people, ensuring you’ll always find an open game. Best of all, spectators don’t have to pay; they can just accompany players and watch.
The museum features both vintage and newer games, many inspired by popular movies and shows, providing hours of entertainment. It’s a popular spot, especially on rainy days, so it’s best to arrive just before opening to guarantee a spot inside.
Check Out the Basilica of St. Lawrence
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Asheville is the domed ceiling of the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Built in 1905 in the Spanish Renaissance style, this incredible minor basilica is the only church designed by famed Spanish building engineer Rafael Guastavino. Upon entering the church, visitors will be struck by the incredible tile work and stained-glass windows adorning its famous domed nave. Pamphlets are available at the front for those who want to do a self-guided tour, or you can sign up for one of the basilica’s free guided tours to learn more about the history, art, and religious figures detailed in the building. The church is open to visitors Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon.
See Bears and Red Pandas at the WNC Nature Center
If you’re wondering what to do in Asheville with kids, why not take a trip to the local zoo? The Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center is a 42-acre zoo dedicated to the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region. At the center, visitors can get an in-person introduction to local animals like the American black bear, red wolves, river otters, coyotes, snakes, and more. There’s also a handful of international animals from regions with a similar climate, such as the red panda and Cotswold sheep. The WNC Nature Center also offers gem and fossil mining, nature play areas, and scavenger hunts, making this a great Asheville attraction for families with kids of all ages.
Enjoy a Tipple at One of Asheville’s Breweries
After hitting the hiking trails, settle in for a refreshing pint at one of Asheville’s many breweries. Asheville boasts more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city and has been the four-time winner of the Beer City USA poll conducted by Examiner.com, making it one of the best cities to enjoy a cold brew. From nano-breweries to large taprooms, you’re bound to get your fill of excellent craft beer in Asheville, especially if you tour a couple of breweries. Like with any good pub crawl, the key is not to drive, so if you want to join a guided brewery-hopping tour, check out this three-hour guided tour with BREW-ed.
Those who want to explore the beer scene on their own should make sure to hit the top breweries. Local favorites include Burial Beer Co. and Zillacoah, but the Whale AVL also offers a great selection of international beer tastings, along with sake, ciders, and mead. Of course, no brewery tour of Asheville is complete without a visit to the two big international beer breweries: New Belgium Brewing Company and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, located south of Asheville in Mills River.
See a Glassblowing Demonstration at Lexington Glassworks
There is plenty to see and do when sightseeing in Asheville, but if you’re after a unique experience, consider visiting Lexington Glassworks. Lexington Glassworks is a cozy glassblowing studio near downtown run by two passionate and experienced artists. Not only can you peruse their collection of high-quality glasswork, but you can also watch immersive demonstrations to see the care and creativity that go into every piece. Visitors are encouraged to stop by anytime during the studio’s working hours to watch the team of talented artists at work. Dogs and kids are also welcome, as long as they’re accompanied by a credit card (there’s a lot to break here).
Go Shopping at Grove Arcade
If you’re looking to indulge in some retail therapy while visiting Asheville, make your way to the stunning Grove Arcade. This indoor shopping mall was built in a Tudor/Late Gothic Revival style in the late 1920s, making it the city’s original shopping mall and offering quite a fascinating history as one of America’s first indoor malls. The interior is absolutely stunning, featuring an abundance of natural light from its glass roof and an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and co-working spaces. Visitors won’t find any familiar store names here, as the space is dedicated to retailers from the mountain area, but there’s still plenty of fine Italian leather and well-known brands to be found. Of particular interest is the mall’s Maker Market, an outdoor artist market lined with homemade goods, trinkets, and treats. And in true Asheville style, there’s also a brewery!
Walk the Asheville Urban Trail to Tour the Town’s Landmarks
Get a feel for Asheville and its history by walking the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile (2.75-kilometer) loop path leading through the town’s downtown area. This is an excellent free thing to do in Asheville for those who enjoy an after-dinner walk or who want to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Along the trail, tourists will find 30 different plaques and sculptures depicting interesting characters and stories from Asheville’s past. The first plaque, called “Walk Into History,” can be found in front of Pack Place, but the two-hour self-guided tour can start from any plaque on the route. Visit the trail’s official webpage to find interactive maps, more in-depth history, audio guides, and even scavenger hunts to make the most out of your time on the trail.
Stroll Through the Asheville Botanical Garden
Another excellent location for a leisurely walk is the Asheville Botanical Garden. This free-entry attraction is a great place to visit and take in the beauty of the Appalachians, as the garden boasts over 500 native species, including 70 species of rare or endangered plants. You can escape to the peaceful 10-acre wooded garden and walk the half-mile loop trail that weaves through vibrant plants and towering trees, following a small river. There are also a few short trails for those who want to explore more of the forest. If you’re visiting with kids, make sure to stop by the visitor center to pick up their free Investigation Passport, which encourages little ones to hunt for flowers and plants during their walk.
Visit the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Literary enthusiasts will recognize the name Thomas Wolfe, but for those drawing a blank, Wolfe was a major American novelist during the first half of the 20th century. This Asheville native is most well-known for his first book, “Look Homeward, Angel”, an autobiographical novel that has become an American classic. Today, fans and literary buffs can visit where Wolfe grew up—a place he immortalized in his most popular book. The memorial museum is free to visit; however, those who would like a tour of the house will need to purchase a ticket for a guided tour. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, and guided tours are offered every hour, starting at half past the hour.
Immerse Yourself in Modern Works at the Asheville Art Museum
It’s one thing to read about an art movement, but it’s another to see the progression in person. At the Asheville Art Museum, there’s an excellent collection of over 7,500 works from Native Americans and local artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, offering a clear depiction of how art movements and styles have changed in the region over the past 100 years. The museum also boasts an awesome Smartguide app that visitors can use for custom self-guided tours and to learn more about the works. Visitors can also opt to book a tour with a docent. After perusing the artwork, head to the on-site rooftop café for a bite to eat paired with excellent views of Asheville.
Drop by Woolworth Walk
If you haven’t guessed by now, Asheville is a magnet for incredibly talented artists. Woolworth Walk is a diner-turned-gallery showcasing a space for local artists to advertise their wares. This is a place for art lovers and makers to find unique and custom-made pieces at all price ranges. Visitors can peruse the online gallery, or better yet, pop into the store to see what the artists have on display. Woolworth was once a popular lunch-counter diner chain in the 1950s, and you can still sit down at their Old Soda Fountain to sip on a soda pop or grab a bite, just like Grandpa used to!
See the Museums and Galleries at Grovewood Village
Grovewood Village is the ultimate place to visit in Asheville if you want to get a taste of history and art. This arts and crafts destination was once the location of Biltmore Industries’ woodworking and weaving operations, and the workshop building is still intact. Today, the old-world building is home to the Grovewood Gallery, offering an ambient and historically rich atmosphere to peruse American arts and crafts by local artists. Grovewood Village is also home to several artist studios, along with the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, where tourists can view rare cars like the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and the 1922 American LaFrance fire truck. Keep an eye on Grovewood’s calendar of events, as they often host studio tours, themed events, and exhibitions.
Paddle the French Broad River
You may know the French Broad River runs through Asheville, but did you know it’s also 250 million years old? This ancient river is believed to be the third oldest in the world, and its winding path through Asheville’s downtown makes for a great way to tour the city. Several companies along the river offer kayak, canoe, or SUP rentals and guided tours right from town. Tourists can rent a kayak for a self-guided tour to paddle past Biltmore and the River Arts District or sign up for a relaxing river tubing tour with Asheville Adventure Company. For those looking to get their adrenaline pumping, check out this whitewater river rafting experience. The guided whitewater rafting tour takes you through Pisgah National Forest on the rushing waters of the French Broad River, just north of Asheville.
Take a Belly-Laughing Bus Tour with LaZoom Tours
Whether you’re looking to entertain the in-laws or find an entertaining tour for the kids, LaZoom Tours has got you covered with its range of guided comedy bus tours. Learn about the history of Asheville with quirky characters and a whole lot of props by booking a Hey Asheville tour or the Lil Boogers comedy bus tour. There’s also a Haunted Comedy tour and a Fender Bender tour, which takes adults (21 and up) to three different breweries. All of the buses serve beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, but beware—you may end up spitting them out due to uncontrollable laughter!
Explore the Great Outdoors
Asheville is known for many things, but one of its biggest draws is the incredible nature at its doorstep. From hiking mountain trails and swimming in waterfalls to exploring the French Broad River by kayak, there are a lot of great outdoor activities in Asheville.
One of the easiest ways to explore the surrounding nature is by taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning scenic parkway stretching from Virginia to Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s best road-tripping routes, offering incredible viewpoints, hiking trailheads, and attractions along the way—but you don’t need to drive the whole thing! The drive from Asheville to Cherokee, North Carolina, on the Blue Ridge Parkway takes roughly three hours by car, but you can always take the more direct one-hour route back to Asheville and make a whole day tour out of it. Check out the official Blue Ridge Parkway website to find attractions and viewpoints along the way.
Pisgah National Forest, just north of Asheville, is home to several awesome natural attractions. Sliding Rock is a unique and fun stop where tourists can slide down a low waterfall on a 60-foot-long natural rock waterslide. The twin peaks of Craggy Gardens offer a flower-field display coupled with outstanding panoramic views. If you’re visiting in June, one must-see is the pink and purple blooms of Catawba rhododendrons that cover the area with a colorful blanket of fragrant flowers. Looking Glass Falls also offers a spot for tourists to cool down in a stunning setting. Visitors can swim in the plunge pool and snap Instagram-worthy photos of the 60-foot-tall waterfall.
On the other side of Asheville sits Nantahala National Forest, a large nature area with over 600 miles of hiking trails. Some of the most popular activities here include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Chimney Rock State Park is the place to go for rock climbing or to experience breathtaking views from the 315-foot granite monolith, which is accessible by elevator for those with mobility impairments. Mount Mitchell State Park is the ultimate playground for backcountry campers and hikers looking to complete challenging summits, as it is home to the highest point east of the Mississippi.
Asheville is the perfect blend of nature, art, and history. Whether you’re visiting for the crafts, the craft beer, or the incredible nature, we’re positive you’ll find plenty of things to do in Asheville. Just remember to pack your plaids—you’ll be in the mountains, after all!
